In the morning, I’ll be speaking on an interesting topic at a local Mothers group….interesting because I feel like a LOSER when it comes to this topic……PottyTraining! You can read my post at “Laced in Grace” to find out more… Thought I’d post my outline;) Dirty Jobs: Mom EditionFresh Air…. For the Not so Fresh Season of Potty TrainingTracey Solomon, MOPS Intl. Council Coordinatorsoltrcy@aol.comwebsite: http://nottinbutknittin.blogspot.com/

Potty relay race- timed fill and dump- Chocolate prize

Pride and the Potty:Potty training is not a competition. We lose- when we compare and compete.

Potty Readiness: Stand, sit and otherwise reach the potty un-aided. Shows interest in using the potty Dry during naps or over night Recognize when wet- or messy Recognizing the urge

Who’s Training whom?Cooperative effort…learning each child.Watching and taking the cuesMotivating with what works, may vary from child to childModeling: “Mommy, can I watch?”

Special Problems: See the primary care giver, if:A child suddenly stops using the potty without major changes to environmentConstipation or pain upon defecatingPain during urination-Night time wetness-

Discipline: Whether verbal or physical, is entirely counter productive, and can be very damaging. Positive reinforcement, is both healthier and more effective.

Tips and tricks: Ready Aim shoot: The Cheerio method for boys. Underwear AKA: Creative use of favorite character guilt;) The timer: set it, so you won’t forget it;)Bribery- (short term goals and long term ones) The bucket, M & M’s Books and movies“bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father” Colossians 1:10b-12 aResources: Toddler Urinal: Target.com and amazon.com

Parenting books:Potty Train Your Child in Just One Day: Proven Secrets of the Potty Pro (Paperback) by Teri CranePotty Training 1-2-3: What Works, How it Works, Why it Works by Gary Ezzo, Anne Marie EzzoPottywise for Toddlers: A Developmental Readiness Approach to Potty Training by Gary Ezzo, Robert BucknamToilet Training: A Practical Guide to Daytime and Nighttime Training by Vicki LanskyKeys to Toilet Training (Barron’s Parenting Keys) by Meg Zweiback

Once Upon a Potty Gift Bundle- (anatomically correct- be warned) Potty ElmoPotty Training Readiness Quiz: http://pediatrics.about.com/od/pottytraining/l/bl_potty_rdy.htmIs your child…at least 18 months old?in a stable and fairly predictable routine, and not experiencing a big change in his life or usual routine, like the arrival of a new baby, change in daycare, or family move?staying dry for at least two hours at a time during the day?staying dry after naps?having regular bowel movements at about the same time each day?able to follow simple instructions?generally cooperative and not in a very negative phase where he says ‘no’ to everything?able to say (or sign) simple one-word expressions, like ‘poop’ and ‘potty’?uncomfortable in dirty diapers?asking to use the potty?able to sit down quitely for 4-5 minutes at a time?telling you when he is about to urinate or have a bowel movement?showing you, either with his facial expressions or his posture, that he is about to urinate or have a bowel movement?able to walk to the bathroom?able to help take off his diaper and undress himself?asking to wear underwear instead of diapers?happy to please his parents?proud when he does something that pleases you?trying to imitate what other children or family members are doing, especially using the potty?